Brain and cognitive sciences

Neuroscientists identify a master controller of memoryOne gene appears to regulate the brain’s ability to form new memories.

$26.5 million Simons gift to catalyze autism research at MITCreates the Simons Center for the Social Brain

A new piece to the autism puzzleNeuroscientists find that two rare autism-related disorders are caused by opposing malfunctions in the brain.

Unraveling how a mutation can lead to psychiatric illnessMIT neuroscientists show that a gene linked with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder impairs early brain development.

Mimicking the brain, in siliconNew computer chip models how neurons communicate with each other at synapses.

Oliva explores new ground in computational perception at CSAILNeuroscientist looks forward to collaborative studies of visual perception in the brain and its computational applications.

Charging toward better neural implantsResearchers improve the efficiency of devices that stimulate damaged nerves, reducing potential side effects.

Connecting neurons to fix the brainNew technology helps scientists discover drugs to strengthen synapses.

Brain rhythms are key to learningNew study from MIT neuroscientists finds that brain waves shift frequency as a new task becomes routine.

Dyslexia independent of IQBrain-imaging study suggests that reading difficulties are the same regardless of overall intelligence — and that more children could benefit from support in school.

How to reverse general anesthesiaNeuroscientists find that Ritalin could help bring surgical patients out of surgery much more quickly, with less grogginess.

‘I speak MISTI’MIT program sends students abroad for experiences tailor-made for their academic and professional interests.

3 Questions: John Gabrieli on studying traumatic memoriesSept. 11, 2001, is a day that lives in infamy. But how accurately do we remember it?

Localizing language in the brainNew study pinpoints areas of the brain used exclusively for language, providing a partial answer to a longstanding debate in cognitive science.

Ready to learn? Brain scans can tell youNeuroscientists identify brain activity that predicts how well you will remember images.

Scene perception versus action in the brainCognitive neuroscientists shed light on how the brain responds to scenes and their mirror-image reversals.

Portable, super-high-resolution 3-D imagingA simple new imaging system could help manufacturers inspect their products, forensics experts identify weapons and doctors identify cancers.

Recognizing voices depends on language abilityStudy finds that for people with dyslexia, it’s much harder to identify who is speaking.

How the brain assigns objects to categoriesNew findings may explain why children with autism tend to fixate on details instead of seeing the big picture.

Don’t show, don’t tell?Cognitive scientists find that when teaching young children, there is a trade-off between direct instruction and independent exploration.

When things go wrong, who’s to blame?New study shows that infants are surprisingly adept at figuring out whether they made a mistake or if something is wrong in the world.

When four is not four, but rather two plus twoMIT neuroscientists redefine the limits of visual working memory.

Inside the infant mindNew study shows that babies can perform sophisticated analyses of how the physical world should behave.

What makes an image memorable?Hint: We tend to remember pictures of people much better than wide open spaces.

How to control complex networksNew algorithm offers ability to influence systems such as living cells or social networks.

Of minds and machinesFinal installment of MIT’s 150th anniversary symposia explores intelligence — both human and artificial.

The benefits of meditationMIT and Harvard neuroscientists explain why the practice helps tune out distractions and relieve pain.